The founder of the mentorship-focused organisation, the '4 by 4 Initiative,' is calling on the public to support their 'Back to School' project.
Sidney Boois is asking for donations of at least one school item to a vulnerable child.
The Back to School Project marks its seventh edition this year, with Swakopmund identified as the activation site for this round.
The initiative aims to support vulnerable children while challenging communities to purchase and donate school items.
“That is a constitutional duty that all of us have- to look after each other, especially vulnerable communities in society. As such, this activity, One Means A Thousand, encourages everyone to contribute at least one item to a child in their community. This project is aimed at challenging other towns, villages, and settlements to do the same. There is at least one person in every society who can make a contribution. Therefore, today marks the opening of this challenge for communities to look after one another. That is how nation-building starts-it begins with community building.”
Swakopmund Mayor Suama Kautondokwa commended the founder of the initiative for bringing the project to town.
“So to community members, parents, guardians, and all stakeholders: when you go to the shop to buy stationery for your own children, just think of another child who does not have any stationery, because it can make a difference. There are children out there who do not have, and parents who do not work and do not know where to find the means to assist their children, especially at the beginning of the year. On behalf of the council, the town of Swakopmund, and myself as an individual, I would like to appreciate and applaud the 4 by 4 Initiative for extending a helping hand.”
Community members welcomed the effort.
“What I see here is a very good initiative. There are parents who do not work, and there are parents who are struggling with their children. This is a good thing. We have to accommodate everyone and help out. There are children who really do not even have a father or a mother,” said a resident of Swakopmund, Beverly Gases.
Another resident from Walvis Bay, Linekela Linekela also expressed his sentiments.
“There is a struggle out there. Some parents do not have money to buy school books and shoes for their children. There are parents without any support. This project will help the community a lot, especially people who are struggling.”